If you're hunting for what channel do the bulls play on tonight, you've probably noticed that catching a Chicago game isn't as straightforward as it used to be. The media landscape in the Windy City shifted big time recently. Tonight, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Chicago Bulls are back at the United Center to take on the Utah Jazz.
The game tips off at 7:00 PM CST (that's 8:00 PM for those on the East Coast).
Honestly, the biggest thing you need to know is that the old NBC Sports Chicago days are gone. Everything goes through the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) now. If you're local, that’s your primary destination. If you're tuning in from Utah or just following the Jazz, the game is on KJZZ or their team-specific streaming service, Jazz+.
Where to Find the Bulls Game Tonight
The Chicago Sports Network is the exclusive home for the Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox. It’s been a bit of a transition for fans who were used to the same channel for decades. Basically, if you have traditional cable or a satellite provider in the Chicago market, you’ll find CHSN on your lineup, but the channel number varies wildly depending on whether you have Xfinity, DIRECTV, or a smaller provider like Astound.
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For the cord-cutters, things are a little different. Fubo is currently one of the few major streaming services that carries CHSN. If you’re trying to use YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, you’re likely going to be out of luck tonight unless something changes with their carriage agreements last minute.
- Local TV (Chicago): Chicago Sports Network (CHSN)
- Local TV (Utah): KJZZ
- National TV: None (This isn't an ESPN or TNT night for the Bulls)
- Streaming: CHSN app (with authentication), Fubo, or NBA League Pass (out-of-market only)
Remember, if you live in the Chicago area, NBA League Pass will be blacked out. It’s the most frustrating rule in sports, but it’s still very much a thing in 2026. You’ll need a local provider or a login that recognizes you're in the home territory.
Why the Jazz Matchup is Actually Interesting
You might look at the records—the Bulls are sitting at 18-21 and the Jazz are at 14-25—and think this is a "skip" night. Don't do that. These two teams are currently top five in the league when it comes to pace. They run. A lot.
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The last time these two squads met, it went to double overtime and they combined for over 300 points. It was chaotic. Defensive intensity? Maybe not the highest. Entertainment value? Through the roof.
Lauri Markkanen is returnng to the United Center again, and he usually plays like he has something to prove against his former team. He’s averaging nearly 28 points a game this season. On the Bulls' side, Josh Giddey has been the engine, nearly averaging a triple-double recently, though his status has been a bit "wait and see" due to some lingering soreness. Keep an eye on the injury report right up until tip-off because Coby White has also been in and out of the lineup with "injury management" after that tough road loss in Houston last night.
Betting and Odds for Tonight
If you're into the numbers, the Bulls are slight favorites at -2.5. The total is set around 243.5, which is massive for an NBA game, but it makes sense given how bad both defenses have been. Utah is giving up a league-worst 126.9 points per game. Chicago isn't much better, bleeding about 120 points a night.
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Basically, expect a track meet.
How to Watch if You Aren't Near a TV
If you're stuck at work or commuting, the radio call is still the most reliable way to stay connected. In Chicago, you're looking for 670 The Score. There’s something classic about hearing Chuck Swirsky call a game that television just can't replicate. If you're in the Utah market, the game will be on KSL 1160 AM/102.7 FM.
For those using the CHSN App, make sure your credentials are saved. There's nothing worse than trying to reset a password while the first quarter is already halfway over. The app has gotten better since its launch, but it can still be a bit finicky during high-traffic times.
What to Watch For
- The Pace of Play: If the game starts slow, something is wrong. Both teams want to get out and transition.
- Matas Buzelis: The rookie has been showing flashes of why he was a lottery pick. His shot-blocking has been a surprise, averaging 1.4 per game.
- The Back-to-Back Factor: Chicago played in Houston last night. They might have heavy legs in the fourth quarter, which is where Utah—who is younger and had the night off—might pounce.
Get your setup ready by 6:45 PM to ensure the channel hasn't moved on you. Since CHSN is still relatively new, some providers have been shuffling channel locations in their digital tiers.
Check your local listings or the CHSN website to confirm your specific channel number based on your zip code before the ball goes up. If you're heading to the United Center, the gates open at 5:30 PM, and parking lots typically open two and a half hours before the 7:00 PM start.